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NHL free agency opens with Stuart Skinner heading to Winnipeg as goalie carousel starts spinning
By John Wawrow And Stephen Whyno, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· July 1, 2026
· 4 min read
Stuart Skinner is heading to Winnipeg as the carousel of goaltenders moving around the NHL picked up steam Wednesday with the start of free agency.Skinner agreed to terms on a two-year contract worth $7.5 million with the Jets, who have been listening to trade offers for three-time Vezina Trophy ...
Key takeaway Skinner helped Edmonton reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2024 and '25 before losing to Florida each time, and spent the end of last season in Pittsburgh.
Why this matters in Tomball News
While the NHL free agency frenzy may seem distant from Tomball , the ripple effects of these moves can impact the local hockey landscape. With the nearby Houston Aeros no longer in operation, many local hockey fans have turned to the NHL for their fix, often following teams with Texas connections. The movement of goalies like Stuart Skinner and Sergei Bobrovsky may influence the rosters of teams that occasionally play in the Houston area, such as the Dallas Stars or Arizona Coyotes. As the goalie carousel continues to spin, Tomball residents who follow the NHL may see new faces on their favorite teams, potentially altering the dynamics of upcoming games at the Toyota Center in Houston. The local hockey community will be watching these developments closely, eager to see how the shifting landscape affects the teams they support.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Tomball News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Stuart Skinner is heading to Winnipeg as the carousel of goaltenders moving around the NHL picked up steam Wednesday with the start of free agency.Skinner agreed to terms on a two-year contract worth $7.5 million with the Jets, who have been listening to trade offers for three-time Vezina Trophy ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 1, 2026 by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Tomball News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by John Wawrow And Stephen Whyno, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Tomball News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Tomball News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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